It Feels Good to Do [Political] Good.
I love the feeling of success.
In the world of COVID, that feeling seems to be fleeting. Who are we? Where are we going? Why are we doing anything anymore? That’s been my disposition lately, but something about hosting a fundraising for my Senator, Doug Jones, this week snapped me out of it.
My friend Ari Afsar is super talented. Besides landing Eliza in the Chicago cast of Hamilton (hello!), she’s been on the scene as a singer songwriter in New York and LA over the last several years. This, after winning Miss California in 2010, placing in to the top 36 of American Idol, AND holding the title of Miss California’s Outstanding Teen before that. The girl is just beyond. My talking her up is relevant...I promise.
2016’s election shook both myself and Ari pretty hard. We both started looking around and going what is happening? We were weary, but instead of retreating, we knew we had to do something about it.
In 2018 , I ran for United States Congress. Ari started writing a musical— in partnership with Lauren Gunderson (America’s most produce playwright)— about Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress. We all used our passions and our talents to channel a better future. I love us for that.
Jeannette the Musical was on the trajectory to Broadway this year. Table reads and investors were lined up and some really high profile performances were on the calendar. But, like the rest of the world, a global pandemic brought that to a swift halt. In true Ari Afsar fashion, the women of Jeannette quickly switched gears, using the story of Jeannette Rankin to raise funds for female candidates. Well... and Doug Jones.
Being an Alabama gal, seeing Senator Doug Jones elected in the 2017 special election was nothing short of a miracle. In a deeply red, super-majority state, we were convinced the horse-ridin’ Roy Moore was a shoe-in. We were seriously so proud when Doug won. He made us feel more secure in our being “blue” in Alabama. Progressive groups began to pop-up and suddenly we had a resurged …Democratic Party. Say what? However, our level-headed, bipartisan Senator’s seat is in jeopardy. His ‘worthy’ opponent? A former Auburn football coach.
Now, I love Auburn and I love football, but I don’t love a parrot, and that’s what Senator Jones is up against. So, we knew we needed to do what we could to ensure his re-election.
Enter Jeannette the Musical: A Doug Jones Fundraiser. After hearing from Senator Tammy Duckworth, Ari and Lauren told us the story of Jeannette, sprinkling in the amazing music that is set to hit the stage. Their presentation culminated with their debut music video and we were all moved to tears. Thanks to Ari and Lauren, and the 60+ guests that attended, we raised $7,570 for Senator Jones’ campaign! There’s just nothing like putting your money where your mouth is. I’m so grateful to Ari and Lauren for lending their time and talents to candidates across the country.
Sure, putting on this fundraiser took a bit of planning and an hour of our time, but overall it wasn’t that difficult. We hardly lifted a finger and were able to help ensure that our candidate of choice—the Senator who represents our interests and our desires for America—had a few more dollars in the bank to share his great work and his great message. We also got him to recreate the above music video, so there’s that.
You don’t have to do much, folks. It just takes a little time—and in this case some talent— to bring people into the fold. Are you doing all the good you can do this go-round? To whom much is given, much is required.
With love and encouragement,
Mallory
P.S. Here’s my favorite Jeannette song.
P.P.S. Want to give to Doug? Click here.